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Lessons Learned: Lecture Series Offers Solutions to Seniors' Biggest Dilemmas

Certified Geriatric Care Manager Andrea Donovan and Lexington Squares Director of Community Outreach Jerri Copple have recently partnered to provide solutions to some of the toughest decisions confronting seniors and their families today. They have developed a series of lectures called “Aging: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Too Afraid to Ask,” featuring such topics as “When Is It Time to Make a Move?” and “When to Ask for the Keys and What Do I Do Now That I Can't Drive?” which gets straight to the heart of the issues that so many don't want to face—and don't face—until a crisis occurs. “Seniors and their adult children make serious decisions in a rush and wish they'd taken more time when they find themselves in a situation that they're not happy with,” said Donovan.

Donovan launched her own consulting business, Senior Living Advisors, after 10 years of countless requests for solutions to senior-related problems during her tenure as admissions director at St. Andrew Life Center in Niles. Donovan's business now serves seniors and their families in the entire Chicago metropolitan area.

Copple, active leader in the Chicago Senior Resource Alliance with 17 years of experience in the senior housing industry, tapped the trusted association she has had with Donovan for the past five years when she realized that they could reach out to more people as a team.

Together, the two women conceive and present the monthly seminars, open to the public and offered in a non-threatening group setting that includes a light dinner and takes no more than an hour of busy people's time. “Seniors and families know they're going to encounter issues, but they have a hesitancy to be proactive; we wanted to have solutions for them in a comfortable environment—ahead of time,” said Copple.

According to Copple, the biggest dilemma seniors face is what to do when they realize they can no longer properly maintain their own homes, or they desire a level of socialization they no longer get at home. Interestingly, she noted, it is often adult children who resist the prospect of a move to a senior residence community. “They think their parents are invincible and, many times, they don't see how they are struggling every day.” Donovan, who refers many of her clients to the Lexington Square communities in Lombard and Elmhurst added, “In trying to avoid moving to a housing community, in-home help is often sought, and the cost proves to be prohibitive and there is very little socialization. Assisted living can be much more economical, not to mention the benefits of a professional nursing staff and many social opportunities.”

The lectures series, which is currently presented at Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center in Downers Grove and the Oak Brook Park District facility, avoids no topic that is a potential or current reality to seniors and their loved ones. “These programs are a way of resolving the stress and anxiety surrounding the aging process,” said Copple. “People need to know there are choices—choices that they can make proactively, not reactively.”

The cost to attend is free, but reservations are requested. Contact Jerri Copple at Jerri.Copple@lexingtonsquare.com.

Aging: Everything you Wanted to Know—But Were too Afraid to Ask

Oak Brook Park District and Lexington Squares partner to provide monthly seminars for seniors and caregivers. Each month topics will cover a variety of useful insights and solutions for you and loved ones. Andrea Donovan, certified care manager and founder of Senior Living Advisors leads us through the dynamics of each subject matter.

Depression and Social Challenges

May 14, 2013 6-7 pm

Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, Il 60523

A recent study, which examined how social interaction can impact quality of life in the elderly found that a sense of loneliness and isolation can lead to a decline in physical health, increased heart disease by producing changes in the body which mimic the aging process and in some cases, even early death. Join us as we discuss the symptoms, assessment, risk factors, and treatment of depression.

How to sell your house in 75 days?

June 12, 2013 6-7 pm

Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, Il 60523

My dad and mom's house is too much for them. How could we sell it as it is anyway? What about the current real market? What option do we have? What makes good financial sense?

Senior Living Options

July 24, 6-7 pm

Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, Il 60523

We have good news Americans 85 years and older are the fastest growing segment of the population. Why do we need all these housing options? What are the options to continue to live independently? What's the difference between Independent living, assisted Living, memory, rental and CCRC housing? Which Choice Is Right For You? The thing that people have the most difficulty with when they get older is deciding whether or not to move from their current home.

Safety in the Home for the Elderly

July 25, 6-7 pm

Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, Rm B

Evaluation of an elderly person's functional status is important in allowing him/her to maintain autonomy. Learn how to screen your loved one's home environment for safety factors as they relate to their disabilities and cognitive impairments.

Recognizing Signs of Early Onset Dementia,

August 29, 6-7 pm

Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, Rm B

Our discussion will focus on such topics as how to recognize early symptoms, other types of dementia, what you should do if you suspect a person has it, and what to expect in the future. Most importantly, we focus on how to take care of your self.

Managing Big Life Changes

September 17, 6-7 pm

My loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Stroke or any one of life's unplanned events. It is never too early to pre-plan for the unforeseen, life-changing events experienced by the elderly and their loved ones. By participating in our discussion, you will learn to put a plan in place to

deal immediately with the situation at hand, rather than pushing the panic button.

How to sell your house in 75 days?

October 24, 6-7 pm

Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, Rm B

My dad and mom's house is too much for them. How could we sell it as it is anyway? What about the current real estate market? What option do we have? What makes good financial sense?

Senior living Myths Unmasked Separating Fact From Fiction

November 14, 6-7 pm

Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, Rm B

This presentation will present senior living options including costs and methods of payment, levels of care, quality of care, staffing, and the facts about moving to a community versus staying at home. This presentation analyzes a daunting task - how to choose the right option for a senior loved one.

New Help for Hoarders and Loved ones that Hoard

August 20, 2013 6-7 pm

Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, Il 60523

Does your loved one collect and fail to discard large numbers of items that don't have any value and impede his/her performance of basic activities like cleaning, cooking, and even sleeping? Please come and participate in our discussion that will suggest potential solutions for clearing the clutter in your loved one's life.

Senior living Myths Unmasked Separating Fact From Fiction

Wednesday, September 4, 2013 6-7 pm

Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, Il 60523

This presentation will present senior living options including costs and methods of payment, levels of care, quality of care, staffing, and the facts about moving to a community versus staying at home. This presentation analyzes a daunting task - how to choose the right option for a senior loved one.

Safety in the Home for the Elderly

Tuesday, October 1, 2013 6-7 pm

Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, Il 60523

Evaluation of an elderly person's functional status is important in allowing him/her to maintain autonomy. Learn how to screen your loved one's home environment for safety factors as they relate to their disabilities and cognitive impairments.

When to Ask for the Keys and What do I do Now that I Can't Drive?

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 6-7 pm

Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, Il 60523

Many elderly people continue to drive when illness, age, or even the revoking of his/her driver's license determines that s/he should not. Our discussion will address problems, concerns, intervention and assistance to help the older person maintain freedom and independence.

Recognizing Signs of Early Onset Dementia

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 6-7 pm

Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, Il 60523

Our discussion will focus on such topics as how to recognize early symptoms, other types of dementia, what you should do if you suspect a person has it, and what to expect in the future. Most importantly, we focus on how to take care of you.

Lexington Square is a premier independent and licensed assisted living community that offers memory support and a lifestyle rich with experiences that make life worth living. For more information, contact 630-576-4800 or visit their website at www.lexingtonsquares.com.

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